Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Q: What are your shipping costs?
A: Shipping is included in our prices to all US locations. International customers, should email us at dreamcatcher@weightedblanket.net prior to purchase for a shipping quote.

Q. How long until we will receive our blanket?
A. Our blankets are custom made and we are made in the order that the orders are received. Our estimated completion times for custom made blankets can be anywhere from 3 to 12 weeks, depending on our current schedule.  Pre-made blankets normally ship within 7 working days. If  a pre-made blanket is on backorder it will normally ship within 14 working days. We always suggest that you contact us for current estimated completion times prior to placing your order.

Q. How do I choose fabrics?
A. DreamCatcher Weighted Blanket pricing includes your choice of fabrics. There is no limits to our fabric selection, other than we always steer you towards washable fabrics. We are happy to email you all details on how to choose fabrics either before or after your order is placed. Once you find the selections you would like you simply email us your selections and we will do the rest.

Q. Can you answer size and weight questions?
A. Of course, please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions you have.

Do DreamCatcher's  ever use stone to weight their blankets?

NO ABSOLUTELY NOT!!

Stones are porous and will retain moisture on the inner layers of the blanket, even when the outer fabrics appear dry. This inside moisture will quickly produce a mold that makes using stone a very poor choice for filler. In addition stones often have pointed or ragged edges that could harm the user or tear at the fabric.

I had read that poly beads are NOT recommended for weights over 7 pounds, is that true?

NO THAT IS FALSE!

Poly Pellets are DEFINITELY recommended for blankets weighing over 7 pounds. We have been using  them for the past six years ,in all weights of products we make from our 1.5 pound lap pad, all the way up to our 50 pound King blankets.

 There are several types of "poly pellet or bead" materials available on the market. Some of the less expensive beads are more of a styrofoam material and would be light in weight.  DreamCatcher blankets are weighted with the very high quality poly pellet. Poly-Pellets are a polypropylene product and is the registered trademark of the manufacturer.

What is the recommended weight for blankets?

Most Occupational therapists, that we have worked with in the past several years, agree that using the formula of  10% body weigh plus one pound as a starting point for figuring weight for a blanket is the most effective. That amount can be and often is , adjusted depending on each individuals needs.

For weighted vests and smaller weighted products such as lap pads, wrappers , etc. the weight formula most widely accepted as effective is 5% of the users body weight.

We are happy to help with any weight questions you may have.

Do you make non-weighted blankets?

Absolutely, we do it very often at the request of our customers.  The non-weighted blankets are made using the same unique design and high quality construction as the weighted blankets.

Do you make covers for the blankets?

Yes, we do. One of the advantages to our exclusive design is that covers are not needed because the blankets are constructed in such a way that the entire blanket can be machine washed and dried, without removing anything. However, we were approached by several of our medical facility clients who requested covers to help meet their specific needs, so we now have covers available to all our customers if requested.

Do you charge more for specialty fabrics or character prints?

NO, Our prices include your choice of any fabric you would like. This includes, cotton, flannel , fleece, washable satin, micro suede, chenille, etc. The one thing we will do is steer you towards the washable fabrics.

Do you offer fire retardant and organic fabrics?

Yes, we do. We have fire retardant fabrics available that meet all current codes. Organic fabrics are also available. Both options have additional costs associated.

I have read  that washing and drying a very heavy blanket without the ability to remove the weights may  cause excess wear and tear on the washing machine, blanket materials, packet contents, and dryer, is that true.

We recommend that any blankets over 20LBS be washed in a commercial machine, as household machines are not made to withstand weight over 20LBS. We have found that blankets weighing under 20LBS do fine in a household washer and dryer.

One blanket manufacturer has stated that poly pellets can clog the washer and dryer or can be a swallowing hazard, what is your view on that?

It sounds like, the manufacturer making  that statement most certainly has a construction flaw in their design ,if the pellets are leaking out of their product. We have not experienced that problem at DreamCatchers. We use  a unique process in which pellets are "quilted" into inner layers of fabric, so they can not move, shift or leak out of the blanket. This process is part of the patented design.  It is important to question manufacturers on their design construction, type of fabrics used and how the product is being constructed for added durability.

Can I heat a Poly Pellet product in the microwave?

NO, NO, NO, !!

Never put a poly pellet product in the microwave. We have included a link to a report below about heating any type of blankets in microwaves.

* Do not use microwave ovens for warming any blankets. *

* Read The Medical Device Safety Report Here *

Do I remove the DreamCatcher sleep blanket once my child or the user is asleep?

No, the blanket that is used for sleep stays there during sleep.

DreamCatcher weighted blankets designed for sleep have weights distributed evenly throughout the blanket and are not as heavy per square inch as the  smaller  lap or wrap blanket. The smaller lap and wrap blankets used as a calming tool, are used periodically and for shorter periods of time.

I'm still confused ... I sent you a link to a vendor web site that talked about weighted blankets when using for sleep. They recommended not changing blanket weight, but adjustability in their blankets will allow  that. What do you think?

Thank you for pointing us to the site you mentioned and we certainly understand why you're confused. Their explanation given on using a weighted blanket for prolonged use, confused us too ....

In designing our weighted blankets we chose to make the blanket weight evenly distributed throughout the blanket. This was based on the medical professionals we spoke with on design and what they felt was the most effective and safe.

Perhaps, the company making that type of blanket, where weights can be moved to different areas of the blanket  realized a design flaw in being able to concentrate the weight in one area over another.  It may have caused them problems. In their explanation,  use of weighted blankets for prolonged use, they may have had to try and clarify a bad situation that presented itself  by using  adjustable weights.

It won't be a problem with DreamCatcher blankets as our weights are evenly distributed and can not be removed or concentrated in an area.

Do you have any pre-made blankets available in addition to the custom blankets?

Yes, Beginning in 2008, we will be increasing our inventory of pre-made blankets.

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